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There was something this year, that more than before, urged me to feel the need to watch all the top oscar movies this year. I had somewhat of a crazy spring semester though, falling behind a bit even on my TV shows (thank you HULU!), and so I've been working at it over the last few weeks more intensely than before.I've gotten several under my belt now including, "Up in the Air," "An Education," "Hurt Locker," "The Blind Side," "Princess and the Frog," "Precious," "Julie and Julia," "Up," and many more on their way to me through the local library :-)I will work back in another post to comment a bit on those, but my most recent view was "The Lovely Bones."
Now, I don't wanna come across like a film critic here or ruin the movie for ya, but I do have some comments to share. I hadn't heard much about the movie before watching it, which I think was good. The only influence I had was my friend who grabbed it and watched it a few days ago and she said she thought it was creepy and she didn't recommend it. But when she tried to elaborate on the plot or why she didn't like it, I stopped her because I really wanted an open mind.Long story short, the movie is based on a book and surrounds a 14 year old girl, Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan), who was stalked, lured, and murdered by a man who lived down the street. The rising action of the movie includes Susie's father (Mark Wahlberg) feverishly trying to find the killer, Susie in another "dimension" watching events unfold and discovering her circumstance, and the murderer, George Harvey (Stanley Tucci), both planning his next murder and avoiding glares and attention in regards to the previous.I will start by saying this... the first 30 minutes or so HAD me. Legit. I was involved, concerned, attached etc etc. As they presented to us who this little girl was, set up her lifestyle and thinking, and worked up to the murder, I felt it was very well done both in ways of storytelling and in the artistic sense.As for the action following the murder, it got a little trippy. Like, "Across the Universe" trippy. I kinda felt like they were tapping into Narnia or a Harry Potter movie or something as they created this "temporary" dimension or state that Susie was in. It's like she was waiting to move on to a more permanent place, but was stuck in the middle, forced to be thrown around watching events of the past and her family in real time. Thematically- cool idea. Artistically- maybe a little much. Like I said, I was involved in a thriller type movie, allowing all of my feminine emotion and my inquisitive investigatory mindset to mesh as I watched events unfold. It when the sky swirled, ground crumbled under her, and objects were flying around in technicolor and such that I kinda was distracted from the seriousness as I was anticipating Mr. Tumnus jumping out from behind a lamp post to give her scholarly advice or something.Anyway- the movie did definitely keep me on edge though as there were a few parts when I think I went a few minutes without breathing. (I.E.=The father going into the cornfields after him, the sister breaking into the house etc) So well done on that for sure.As for theatrical performances... Stanley Tucci- Dang boy- you are a freakin' creepster! It wasn't just the oily comb-over, awkwardly thick glasses, or mad crazy "I-can't-look-into-your-eyes"contacts... the performance was definitely commendable. I feel his characterization, even the smallest intricacies in regards to hand gestures, eye movement and such, was right on and so well done. Not that I know many murderers (let's HOPE), but I think we can all identify genuinely sketch people... Tucci was on it!!Although I have to admit I love his mousey-criminal portrayal of that snarky man Vernon in Beethoven who just can't seem to do anything right, I have to give him great accolades for the growth I've seen in him. This has to be the performance of his career. At least of anything I can think of. Oscar nominated, yes. Should he have won the best supporting actor award? hmmm... I'm still working on watching the other nominees' performances. It was definitely DESERVING... I'll get back to you on my overall opinion.Gotta give a shout out to Mark Wahlberg as well. Being honest, I usually can't watch him without being focused on his ridiculous hottness. Even in "Fear" with Reese Witherspoon when he was a psycho-maniac I stilllll kinda wanted to flirt with him and give him the benefit of the doubt :-) He was very believable as the infuriated and overwhelmed father and gave a performance where I could focus on the character, and not just the gorgeous-ness... but yah, there is no denying though, he looked GOOD in that 70's flyaway hair :-)Finally the lead girl, Saoirse Ronan... how cute is she? So girl-next-door, Dakota-Fanning-esque adorable. I was really impressed with her performance in such a heavy role. Usually I am horribly, almost insensitively critical of kid performances, but she definitely fell on the positive side of things for me. I'm excited to see what she does next.
Let's see... should I give stars? Rank? Tomatoes?
I don't know if I want to standardize it just yet... I wanna feel it out.
BUT- for now I will give this 7 PA-CHOWS (outta 10) with a recommendation for ya'll to check this out if you can appreciate a thought-provoking, artistically focused flick.
Precarious: \pri-ˈker-ē-əs\ 1. dependent on uncertain premises 2a : dependent on chance circumstances, unknown conditions, or uncertain developments b: Characterized by a lack of security or stability that threatens with danger Here I am. An adult.I've spent my first few education-free days reminiscing on the good times as I decorate my house with favorite pictures, start to organize for a summer of scrapbooking, and am finishing work on the yearbook. In addition to that, I've been taking some time to really reflect on what I wanna be doing. I can honestly say that while 90% of those who just graduated with me are probably bummin' it out on the couch watching movies or laying poolside, the lack of activity has been driving me crazy. Even though I have had work, as I sit here now and watch "Princess and the Frog" (tehe), I can't even focus. I just want to be ACCOMPLISHING SOMETHING. Don't get me wrong, I can loooove downtime of a pure lackadaisical nature, but never for too long.Right now I just feel like I am on this tightrope stranded between 2 certainties. One, my college lifestyle. As great as it was, and as much as I'd like to stay close, I feel as if I have to continue on and that, just like an old school nintendo game, you have to keep moving to the right... there is NO going back. (Oh man, nintendo... thats the STUFF right there!) My other platform is close, but it's strange that I am unable to determine exactly how far it is. I could be there is a small hop in the form of an anticipated phone call offering me a job, while at the same time I feel like it may turn out to be a mirage... the harder I work toward it, it may get foggier and foggier.For now, all I know is that i love my new macbook, have an itch to get started on my mounds of scrapbooking, and am enjoying the fact that I do have the opportunity to catch up on the top oscar nod'ded movies from the year. Hey- maybe that's what I'll do! After I get a few under my belt (or at least the elastic of my 'relaxin-it-out-mesh-shorts'), I will give my opinionation (thank you for the coinage 90's sitcom Blossom) of the films and acting and such. Yah- that's a plan.Prepare thyself :-)*Katy
We always speak of it as the most expensive piece of paper one can obtain, but I don't think I've ever understood the meaning of a diploma until today.
Yes, it's official.
I am a college graduate.
Bachelor of Arts in Comprehensive Communication (Journalism) with minors in Theatre and Bible to be exact. What is surprising me is that I have not made a single comment in connection to the ironic "value" of that piece of parchment, but I can't help but sit here and experience my mind trying to grasp the enormous symbolic and literal change that just occurred in my life.
One side of me feels like I want to take on the world. Full-force. Just move somewhere away from the confining cornfields of southwest Ohio where I find myself now and pursue the dreams I've imagined all my life.
The other side of me is still focused on Cedarville. Focused on the friendships I've built, the actions I've set in motion, the possibilities at hand. I love Cedarville. Immensely. It has taught me so much, challenged me intensely, and has seen me through incredible undulations of life. So much of me feels as if I need to give back, to stay involved, to be able to encourage prospective students, current CU family, and alumni. I find so much excitement in imagining myself continuing to pour into CU, but my biggest thing right now is just the need to stop trying to weigh out every detail and trust God to make my way.
I am a planner. A visionary. A strategist. Sitting here, not knowing my exact direction and not entirely being in control is my most intimidating opposition. It's times like this that I find myself so torn. So tempted to weigh out pros and cons, make lists, make contrasting agendas etc. etc. while knowing I just need to stop, hand over all my concerns and confusion to the One and Only Sovereign God and just watch Him work it out.
Another thing about me... I think and feel and live so often through song lyrics. For example, I just can't keep certain lyrics from running through my head right now, a song I performed with OneVoice Ensemble this year..
A wave of Your hand can command the seas to hold their peace
If you can handle the seas
Then I know that You can deal with all my needs
So I will put every situation
Into Your capable hands
I don't have to know the plan
Because You are
You are the sovereign God
Bigger than all my problems
And every situation
There is nothing too hard
For the sovereign God
He is able to do exceedingly abundantly
Above all we ask or think
So take all your burdens and lay them at His feet
And watch Him meet the need
We have the victory
I hate being vulnerable. I've always felt that I need to remain strong, in control, and hide any evidence of not "having it all together," but I've learned more and more that it is through my vulnerable times that God shows me my need for Him. Through my lacking, He proves time and time again that He is my Jireh and my sustainer.
God is good, ya'll... Pray that I won't fail to see that at all times.
Congratulations Cedarville University Class of 2010. It's been unbelievable. I hope your time has been as stretching and as impactful as mine has been. Love you all!
What a night. 2,400+ in attendance, lights, pyro, staging, incredible talent... PA-CHOW!
After a year of planning, organizing, orchestrating and months of rehearsing, ELLIV 2010 hit the stage on April 24th. Red carpet led nominees and performers into the Jeremiah Chapel and onlookers enjoyed the rush as a swanky band filled the air with songs like "That Thing You Do" and "Johnny Be Good."
Everyone rushed in to find their seat of choice (in their designated sections that is, thanks bouncers (-: ) and glared with anticipation at the overhead countdown clocks. As 7'o'clock approached, I couldn't stop jittering with excitement as all of the hours of hard work, stress, and excitement was coming to fruition in front of my eyes.
We kicked off the night with a throwback number with our own fancy twist in the form of September. Ya, we know it's April... but who doesn't LOVE some Earth, Wind and Fire?! As the hosts then welcomed the crowd to the classiest event in the state of Ohio (Legit- it is), we all got an adrenaline rush, anticipating what would come next.
After great performances of "Fireflies," "Battlefield" (with the group working my choreography!),"Say Hey," a cute rendition of "How Does She Know?" and muteMath's "Typical," the act that was truly my baby hit the stage. An amazing Michael Jackson a capella medley wow-ed the stage, and just as the audience thought it was over, my dancers tore up the stage with a RIDICULOUSLY awesome performance of "Thriller." I have to admit, I have had an obsession with "Thriller" since I was very young and I have pushed to teach and perform the choreography as often as possible throughout my life, but I have to be real, THIS was the best performance EVER! :-)
As the crowd attempted to contain their amazement after that act, they were handed more fun thanks to "Haven't Met You Yet," "Signed, Sealed, Delivered,' and then the finale... a multi-cultural, high energy dance number, "Jai Ho." I can't even tell you how hard those kids worked. It was probably the most intricate choreography I've done for ELLIV over the years and these amateur dancers did an incredible job of learning from me and getting into character. As the final pyro was shot and the final pose was hit, the confetti fell on the final moments of ELLIV.
For everyone involved, a genuine thank you. It was an incredible experience and a true blessing to have been able to teach you and lead you through it all!
ELLIV 2011... where you at? BRING IT!!
WANNA SEE HIGHLIGHTS? Ya, I know you do! http://www.vimeo.com/11214334
Life.
While it's the antics and adventures within that that should have been inspiring me to keep up with a blog, it worked in a conflicting way. It's the non-stop, high speed, categorized chaos that wakes me up early, keeps me up at night, and would allow no time to make a tangible record of my endeavors.
Long story short... This girl is poolside, cannonball-in' into the refreshing waves of the blog world. I feel like this will in fact be rejuvenating for me. A little cheap therapy if you will.
I most definitely am a talker. In regards to entertaining others, talking through what I need to accomplish, or even talking myself outta trouble (occccccasionally :-P), words are kinnnnda what I do. Maybe that's why I went to college to study communications, to learn how to best sculpt this craft. What I've really learned? I'm just REALLY good at... not shutting up!
Ok- that was a side note. What I've actually realized more and more is how relevant keeping a blog is to my future in writing, journalism, PR etc etc so on. I have to admit, I kinda like it in a sense. I mean, I have learned how to write technically, formal skills, rules blah blah blah... but people out there in the "big people world" are starting to care more about uniqueness in writing styles and... dare I say it? PERSONALITY! Yesssss! Score one up for me! I def got one of those :-) If only all life's problems would be improved simply due to the fact you have a KICKIN' personality. Let's just say this past semester I wouldn't have gotten in an accident (not my fault! ha), my laptop wouldn't have died and caused me to go through the attorney general to fix the issue, I wouldn't have unauthorized charges on my credit card, and my housemate wouldn't have shown up with a baby chick in my laundry room! Well, that last one is quite an interesting story... maybe another day!
ANYWAY- I am contemplating giving ya'll an insight on what has brought me to this point. Not necessarily THIS point as in 8:58 pm April 22,2010, but moreso a soon-to-be college grad who has had the blessing to experience so much, see so many beautiful parts of the world, has so many interests and so many unique ...borderline obsessive amusements... but... I'm leaning toward a snapshot of what's on my plate right now and I'll catch ya up later. Deal? Game on.
ELLIV (pronounced E- LEAVE) is the HUGE award show put on annually at Cedarville University right before summer approaches and the 3,000+ students escape the midwest cornfields to return home, in most cases, to more exciting home bases. ELLIV (www.elliv.com) combines dialogue, skits, videos and more that bring to center stage highlights and humor from the year and we combine it with top-notch performances of musical favorites and extensively choreographed dance routines. (:::BREATHE:::) Continue...Oh yah- and then we give out awards to the year's best, like "performing artist," "student worker," "visual artist," "athletic accomplishment" and so on. A red carpet leads nominees and performers into our ministry center here on campus to the chapel, where an extravagant set is assembled to house the talent and technical surprises for the 3,000 onlookers.
After 3 years of performing in the show and choreographing numerous acts from a jazzy Michael Buble number, a throw-back 90's MMMbop act full of nostalgic fun, and even a full-out, high energy Broadway quality version of "You Can't Stop the Beat" from Hairspray (I'll have to post the vid sometime!), I was put in charge of ALL the talent this year This includes coordinating 120+ singers, dancers, beatboxers, instrumentalists la la la...all on an elaborate stage equipped for some crazy action PYRO! Yes... all this happens at a small, midwest Christian college... we are that cool.
It all goes down Saturday. 2 days. WHATTT!? I've been planning and orchestrating this event since LAST April and it's now here. It's gonna happen. After months of planning logistics, weeks of auditions, HOURSSS (probably DAYS) of choreography prep, 4 months of rehearsal... "E-DAY" is fast approaching. There is no turning back... (not that I'd EVER want to...I LIVE for this stuff! :-P) Today, a colossal truck brought in the stage, rented intels, pyro and such and we spent the afternoon turning our chapel into a space ready any A-list performer :-)
So, that has been chomping on my life and transforming my usual "plan-ahead know-where-my-life-is-going" self into a "tunnel-visioned-event-planner" that easily overlooks the fact that I'll be crossing the graduation stage in 9 (OH DANG!) days. Talk about a smack from reality. And not just a friendly brush... I'm talking a cocked back, flat handed impact... spit flying out like in the boxing ring and all. Well, maybe not the saliva section of that... I'm lady enough to contain that! haha!
I think this is where I'm calling it a night for now. I feel like I sufficiently tested out my blog waters, checking my water wings at the door. HAHA... I just had the vision of Mary Catherine Gallagher from Superstar in the opening scene of the movie... C'mon, you know what I mean! The cumbersome, almost uncomfortably awkward little girl... overly tight Rapunzel braids, out of style glasses, buck teeth and all talking about how to enter a pool. She explains 2 ways. Dipping your foot in and adjusting to the water, or, as she would encourage, just JUMPING IN!
I've never really been one prone to timidity, so I guess as I look to the future, I'll be working on perfecting my dives :-)
*Katy :-)
